Dual citizenship duo elevates Maryland field hockey program’s diversity

Photo Courtesy of Eddy Calkins

A duo of sophomores offers their dual citizenship to a Maryland field hockey program that nurtures diversity.

“I wouldn’t really call ‘Rick’ international,” coach Missy Meharg said. “So we’ve got three international women on the team.”

“Rick,” short for Ericka Morris-Adams, has English roots. The reason why Meharg doesn’t consider the Cheshire, England native as an international player is because she is also a citizen of the United States. 

Morris-Adams played six years of hockey for Bowdon Hightown, a club in England’s Premier League. Her dual citizenship with England and the United States gives her a chance to play for the United States National team.

In July, Morris-Adams got an invite to the 2024 U-21 Junior Women’s U.S. National Team selection camp. She will join four of her current Maryland teammates in February for the camp. 

“There’s a lot of girls on our team already on the U.S.A. team, so it’s nice to be stretched with them and get an opportunity to play with them one day,” Morris-Adams said.

Morris-Adams has 21 appearances this year, recording two assists. She earned Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last season.

Hannah Boss also has dual citizenship. Boss grew up in The Hague, the Netherlands, and is a citizen of both Holland and England. 

Before joining the Terps, Boss played 15 years for the Dutch club team HC Klein Zwitserland, a team in the highest professional field hockey league in the Netherlands. 

“I just think they’re very fortunate, Meharg said. “I mean, and not just for a sport reason right? They’re able to work, and live and be free in multiple countries. So, it’s got to be a really great opportunity and I’m sure that’s nice for their families as well.” 

Boss has 14 points this season, including four goals. She was recruited by former Maryland star Bibi Donraadt, who is also from the Netherlands. 

Boss joins graduate student Nathalie Fiechter and fifth-year senior Maura Verleg as current Dutch teammates.

“Everyone knows that the Dutch is the best at field hockey, so I think having those three here just [makes] the level here really great and fun, and especially in England, when I used to play for England, we always used to be scared of the Dutchess,” said Morris-Adams.

Diverse hockey remains a constant part of Meharg’s culture during her 36-year tenure at Maryland.

“When we stand during the anthem and are in a big ‘U’ together, the reason we have that is because it represents we’re united through hockey,” Meharg said. “Every country is very different. I mean, you’ve got the Dutch to play a certain style, you’ve got the Argentine players, the English played different than the Dutch.”

Despite being some of the best field hockey players in the world, Meharg believes the international stars don’t change Maryland’s culture.

“They’re just normal people that bring diversity and in that way, it teaches us the other part of learning about life through sport,” Meharg said.